The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

First Post, First Map: Kosmo ton Mython (The World of Myth)

Hello there, everyone. First off, let me give credit to the excellent tutorial by RobA (and the update by wisemoon) for actually giving me the ability to make this map. I also apologize for the rather amateur look to it, but I've never made a digital map before this. I didn't intend to upload this originally, but in the spirit of this community and in thanks for giving me the knowledge needed to make a map like this, I decided to go ahead and put it up. This is the map of the GURPS campaign setting I created. This is a physical map only, and with only the major geographical and regional names labelled (I save everything else for the regional maps I give to my players). I didn't read the guide to map labeling .pdf that floats around here occasionally until after I had finished the map, so the labels might not be in the optimal locations. The map itself is inspired by the ancient Map of Ptolemy, as the setting itself is rooted in ancient Greek and Persian myth. I do intend, when I have the skill, to do a better, more polished version of the map, but for now I leave this for your perusal.

EDIT: I almost forgot to credit Arsheesh for the border texture and the basics of border making.

Hi there Tazgrent, welcome to the Guild! Not bad at all for a first map. Your border and text work look pretty good in fact. The biggest thing that could be improved upon for next time I think would be to make the forests and mountains more integrated into the rest of the landscape. Currently the edges of both look a bit hard and beveled. With regard to the forests, I mention a way to compensate for this in my trees tutorial (listed in the sig). Anyway, thanks for sharing and have fun in your campaign.